The Devon Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of Devon Young Leaders, the county's very own leadership programme.

Devon Young Leaders will carry on from the Young Storm Champions programme that has run for the last four years.

"I want every little girl who's been told she is bossy to be told again she has leadership skills."

- Sheryl Sandberg

The Devon Cricket Foundation has actively promoted Leadership Courses in school and club environments to challenge girls to break down any preconceived views they may have of themselves as leaders.

Participants on the Devon Young Leaders programme will receive bespoke young leader clothing and enjoy a day of learning skills of leadership, inclusion and game management.

"The girls will develop confidence and skills that they can take back to their clubs and help with coaching and game management," says Women & Girls' Development Officer, Ann-Marie Presswell. "More importantly, they are putting themselves in a leadership role, inspiring other young girls to do the same in the future."

In partnership with Chance to Shine, the Foundation also run the Girls' Leadership Programme in state secondary schools. This programme empowers girls to develop skills and confidence to lead groups of children in cricket activities as well as run games.

This programme works in conjunction with an opportunity to lead at a festival or school, so the girls can put their skills into practise straight away.

"Providing the girls with safe and supportive environments where they can take risks and lead groups is essential for their development as leaders," says Ann-Marie, who also leads the Secondary School Girl’s Leadership Programme. "Social and peer pressure often prevents girls from taking the step forward to lead."

Last academic year, the Foundation delivered the Girls' Leadership Programme to over 150 girls across 12 state schools, with most of these leaders going on to deliver activities or run games at festivals or competitions, with plenty of positive feedback from the children and staff alike.

“It was great to see the girls take on and flourish in the leadership roles. They’ve gained so much confidence from today, and all the smiling and laughing from participants and leaders has been lovely to see.”

- Teacher, Notre Dame School

The Devon Cricket Foundation is also looking to continue breaking down the barriers to girls taking on leadership roles within the game, such as coaching, umpiring and managing teams. "They are the future of the game," says Ann-Marie. "But more importantly, what we hope they take from our leadership days are skills that they can transfer into other areas of their lives."

Sign up to our leadership programmes

The first Devon Young Leaders day will take place on 30 May. Further information will be released in due course.

If your school would like to take part in the Girls' Leadership programme, please contact:

ann-marie.preswell@devoncricket.co.uk
07494 151557

"I truly believe that sport, a physical activity is a great way [for girls] to find their own self-confidence, their resilience, this self-determination and to be who they want to be."

- Baroness Sue Campbell